Elite 30 S Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Elite 30 S emerged from the Kirié shipyard in 1984, at a time when the French builder was a pioneer in fiberglass construction, having transitioned from traditional wooden boats decades earlier. Kirié, with its origins tracing back to 1912 in Les Sables d'Olonne, had established a strong reputation for innovation and practical boat design. The Elite 30 S carries the lineage of a design philosophy that sought to blend performance with comfort, a hallmark of Kirié's successful "Feeling" range which was introduced around the same period.

Naval architect Philippe Briand, celebrated for his designs of competitive yachts, lent his expertise to the Elite 30 S. Indeed, a closely related model, the Elite 30, was a winner of the 1983 International 1/2 Ton Cup, underscoring the performance pedigree embedded in this design. The Elite 30 S shares common origins with the Elite 29, the Elite 30, and the popular Feeling 850, highlighting a modular and efficient design approach by Kirié. While the Elite 30 S typically features a masthead sloop rig, a version with a fractional rig, known as the Elite 30R, was also available, offering slightly different performance characteristics with a lower heeling moment. The hull itself is constructed from solid fiberglass, a testament to Kirié's established expertise in the material.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kirié Elite 30 S is characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration chosen for optimal hydrodynamics and responsive steering. With a total calculated sail area of approximately 388 square feet and a displacement of 5,750 pounds, the Elite 30 S boasts a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 19.44. This figure suggests good light-air performance, indicating that the boat can move efficiently even in lighter breezes.

The boat's Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at 0.40, signifying a solid level of stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to a fair amount of wind without excessive heeling. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length ratio of 174.54, the Elite 30 S falls into the lighter, more performance-oriented category for its size. This combination of ratios points to a lively and responsive vessel. Owners have noted the Elite 30 S feels "VERY light" and can sometimes feel "like a dinghy when you step aboard," implying a sensitive and engaging helm that responds quickly to input. This characteristic makes it a rewarding boat for sailors who appreciate direct feedback and agile handling, suitable for both cruising and racing pursuits.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance-oriented design, the Kirié Elite 30 S provides practical accommodations for cruising. The interior typically features a layout designed to maximize space and functionality within its 31-foot length. It generally offers sleeping arrangements for up to six individuals and includes a dedicated head compartment. The freshwater tank capacity is approximately 23.8 gallons (90 liters), adequate for weekend trips and shorter cruises. While specific details on interior finishes are less documented, Kirié's reputation for producing robust and practical vessels suggests a durable and functional interior, likely featuring a blend of fiberglass liners and warm wood trim, typical of European production boats of its era. The closely related Feeling 850, which shares common origins with the Elite 30 S, was known for an "airy, open" interior in its cruising model, suggesting a similar design philosophy for maximizing the sense of space below deck. Potential owners are often advised to verify the size of the V-berth to ensure it meets their comfort requirements.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kirié Elite 30 S often appreciate its engaging sailing characteristics and solid build quality, reflecting Kirié's general reputation for robust construction. While specific owner reviews for the Elite 30 S can be somewhat scarce, with some owners noting it's "Hard to find info on our Elite 30," those who own them value the boat's performance and responsive handling. The boat's light displacement contributes to its "dinghy-like" feel, which, while making it sensitive to weight placement, also provides for a lively and fun sailing experience. The enduring presence of these vessels on the used boat market speaks to their fundamental soundness and the loyalty of their owners.